Starting with raising the minimum wage for federal workers.
"But America does not stand still – and
neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without
legislation to expand opportunity for more American families,
that’s what I’m going to do," Obama points out.
This is a big step for the president who is tired of the bickering going on in Washington and decided to take executive order an sign the new minimum wage into law. He is standing up for the Americans that voted for him and are still supporting him.
It's about time, the minimum wage is 20% lower than it was when Ronald Regan was in office. That's just embarrassing.
Of course the right is angry with the president calling him a dictator, socialist and other unattractive names, but really GOP; would you have done anything if Obama hadn't?
Didn't think so.
Obama invites congress to follow his executive order and raise minimum wage for the private sector also. I hope they will do so, for their own sakes.
One of the most emotional parts of the speech is the recognition of Cory Remsburg who has fought for us since he was 18. He is now 30. His entire young adult life was and is dedicated to protect our liberties as a country. And, even though he is wounded he wants to get better and return to serving his country.
Now after this extended standing ovation for the young man, can we please, please take care of our veterans instead of cutting their benefits? They are fighting for our freedom, giving they're lives so we can live ours. The least we can do is make sure they have the income and healthcare they need.
"Today, women make up about half our workforce. But they still
make 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. That is wrong, and
in 2014, it’s an embarrassment. A woman deserves equal pay for
equal work. She deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her
job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or sick
parent without running into hardship – and you know what, a
father does, too. It’s time to do away with workplace policies that
belong in a “Mad Men” episode. This year, let’s all come together
– Congress, the White House, and businesses from Wall Street to
Main Street – to give every woman the opportunity she deserves.
Because I firmly believe when women succeed, America
succeeds," said Obama.
The success of our country depends on every citizen whether man or woman getting equal pay. By not paying women the same as men is only hindering our own economic growth.
"They believe, and I believe, that here in
America, our success should depend not on accident of birth, but
the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams.
That’s what drew our forebears here. It’s how the daughter of a
factory worker is CEO of America’s largest automaker; how the
son of a barkeeper is Speaker of the House; how the son of a
single mom can be President of the greatest nation on Earth.
Opportunity is who we are. And the defining project of our
generation is to restore that promise."
"Taking a page from that playbook, the
White House just organized a College Opportunity Summit where
already, 150 universities, businesses, and nonprofits have made
concrete commitments to reduce inequality in access to higher
education – and help every hardworking kid go to college and
succeed when they get to campus. Across the country, we’re
partnering with mayors, governors, and state legislatures on
issues from homelessness to marriage equality."
Obama also highlighted the importance of everyone having an opportunity to succeed regardless of who your parents are. After all the days of kings and queens are long over.
With these words Obama was trying to motivate and encourage the working class that their dream can be achieved, and he's going to do whatever he can to help. He is not only doing this for better jobs, but for better education and for marriage equality. These are the things that the American people care about, and what he was voted into office for.
On the other hand we have the Republican response(s).
The fact that the republicans had four different responses is just a look at how the party is divided. It's really sad to watch them. While the official response was just an superficial overview of Cathy McMorris Rogers's, wonderful American life, it didn't really go into any ideas the republicans have to help Americans or any strategies for the coming years. With a party this divided they will never grow enough strength to win elections.
